Planetology

Using parallel examples from Earth's varied landscapes, noted planetary geologist Ellen Stofan and planetary scientist and veteran astronaut Tom Jones pair terrestrial images, many taken by the crews of the space shuttle and space station, with astonishing views from NASA's robotic probes to paint a fresh portrait of the solar system. These vivid illustrations of searing lava plains, windswept deserts, and stark craters are accompanied by clearly written prose, explaining how forces such as volcanes, asteroids, liquids and atmosphere have shaped these varied landscapes.